Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure in MUTARE
ZANU PF has raised US$2 million, amid optimism that within the next month it will meet its target of US$5 million, which will be used for accommodation, food and transportation of delegates during the 22nd Annual National People’s Conference.
The conference, scheduled for October 13 to 18 at Mutare Polytechnic College has seen several provinces exceed their allocated fundraising targets of US$50 000 with notable contributors being Midlands (US$100 000), Mashonaland East (US$105 000), Matabeleland South (US$100 000), Masvingo (US$85 000), Mashonaland West (US$70 000) and Mashonaland Central (US$60 000).
In an interview on the sidelines of the National Conference Coordination Technical Committee meeting yesterday, Zanu PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, revealed that Manicaland seeks to raise an additional US$1 million beyond its initial target.
To date, the province has raised US$300 000, 200 beasts and various other donations, including chickens, goats, pigs, grain and beverages, courtesy of its dedicated party cadres.
The meeting was also attended by Politburo members, Cde July Moyo, Cde Lovemore Matuke, Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, Cde Mike Madiro, Cde Mabel Chinonoma, Cde Douglas Mahiya, provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza and the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
“We are happy that the party has also launched a fundraising campaign and so far we have raised about US$2 million and we have been promised by Manicaland that they are going to raise yet another US$1 million, over and above what we expect from all provinces, and other well-wishers,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“We are going to be doing this exercise not looking beyond other exercises, but within the confines of the party. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, equally as Zanu PF we must fund our own operations.
“We have started very well and we hope within the next month we will meet our target of raising US$5 million, which we will invest in terms of accommodation, food, and transport. We are ready to host the conference in October”.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said hotels have been booked, while some institutions will avail accommodation for some of the delegates.
“We have had some donations for transport. We are looking at 48 buses, and 20 have already been donated, which makes our life easier to fund the excess that will be required. The 48 buses will ferry delegates to the venue, but we need also buses to cater for the running of those that will be doing all the donkey work before the conference,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said this was the first meeting with the provincial committee to assess progress made on the ground in preparing the venue.
“We are happy that at least they have decided on this venue, but as you can see there are no buildings, which means a lot of preparatory work has to be done in terms of making sure that it may rain in October – so whatever we are going to come up with should take into consideration that possibility,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said the venue will not only cater for the conference, but also Sanganai World Tourism Expo that will be held in September.
“It not just going to benefit our conference, but also that exhibition which is very critical. Going into the future we are looking at Mutare Polytechnic also benefiting from the investments that are going to take place here,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said the party will reduce the number of delegates attending the conference to improve deliberation quality and maintain discipline.
“We have learnt from other parties’ conferences, where smaller, manageable numbers facilitate better discussions. Considering our agenda, we will focus on key issues. Thematic committees will convene to address war veterans’, women’s, youth, food security, and mining issues, aligned with Vision 2030.
“We will assess progress since our last conference in 2024, evaluate Government implementation of previous resolutions, and formulate new ones.
“These conferences provide checks and balances on the economy and social sectors, including health and education. Notably, we have added drug and substance abuse to the agenda.
“Zanu PF is taking leadership on this issue, building on our Covid-19 experience. Delegates will share strategies to tackle drug abuse at the local level,” she said.
